The Clermont Police Department (CPD) is partnering with several local churches and businesses for a neighborhood beautification project.
From July 9-11, volunteers will provide some TLC to Oakhurst Townhomes in the Lincoln Park community. The neighborhood historically has seen some of the highest crime activity in Clermont, and the CPD has been recognized nationally for significantly reduced crime there through similar projects in recent years.
Participants from the First United Methodist Church in Clermont will lend a helping hand with pressure washing, yard cleanup and trash removal. Local businesses such as Home Depot and Lowe’s will supply materials, while Chick-fil-A, Flippers Pizzeria and Papa John’s will provide food for the volunteers.
“These homes are occupied by residents who are inspired to promote a crime-free neighborhood,” Clermont Police Chief Charles Broadway said. “They have partnered with us to help build trust and enhance the quality of their lives within their community. We will continue to show support and commitment to serve above self.”
In 2018, the CPD’s Community Oriented Policing and Problem Solving (COPPS) Unit, completed a similar project with the Oakhurst Townhomes development where several homes were pressure washed and painted.
According to Clermont Police statistics, this area had previously experienced the greatest percentage of calls for service, such as noise complaints, drug activity, assaults and suspicious activities. But there has been a dramatic reduction in those calls due in large part to the relationships developed by the COPPS Unit.
“In addition to this upcoming beautification event, we have initiated neighborhood talks, potluck barbecues with residents, community-wide trash clean up days, breakfast with a cop and several other outreach activities,” said Clermont Police Officer David Colon of the COPPS unit. “We are looking forward to further success and a greater reduction in crime.”
If you would like to join this initiative, contact Officer Colon in the COPPS Unit at 352-394-5588.
